Wednesday, June 25, 2014

James Aloisi WWI vet travels to D.C. via Honor Flight NE

Source: Carol Ann Aloisi

James Aloisi, Sr., a longtime East Boston Resident was among a group of World War II Veterans that were taken by Honor Flight New England to visit the World War II Memorial and other memorials in Washington, D.C. Accompanying each veteran was a volunteer, or guardian (family member or program volunteer), who traveled at his or her own expense and offered assistance to the veteran throughout the trip. In addition to visiting the World War II Memorial, the veterans observed the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, and visited the Lincoln Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, and the Vietnam Memorial Wall. The day drew to a close with visits to the Marine Memorial and then to the site of the Air Force Memorial, with its panoramic views of the city and soaring arches. The Honor Flight group returned to Baltimore and then flew on to Boston after a full, active day.

“What an amazing experience it was to see this memorial and to be recognized and honored for our service to this Country, I can’t thank the people at Honor Flight enough for all they did for me and all they continue to do for all the Veterans of WWII said Mr. Aloisi.

Their day began at Boston's Logan International Airport, the State Police, the Massport fire and emergency staff, the TSA staff, Southwest Airlines staff, and other airport staff greeted the veterans warmly and provided comfortable and supportive arrangements as needed. Arriving at BWI airport in Baltimore, the Honor Flight group was greeted by a large celebratory welcoming crowd and then transported by buses to Washington DC. When they returned to Baltimore to fly home the group organized a dance right in the airport terminal with music from the WWII era.

Honor Flight New England is part of the national organization Honor Flight Network and is a non-profit organization created solely to honor America's veterans for all of their sacrifices. Through generous donations veterans have the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., to visit and reflect at their memorials at no personal expense. Top priority is given to the senior veterans – World War II survivors, along with those other veterans who may be terminally ill. The program is recognized as a concrete way of expressing gratitude for the service and sacrifice of US military men and women. Since 2009 HFNE has given over 900 veterans the opportunity to visit their memorials in the nation's capital. If you know of a WWII Veteran that wants to travel to DC to see their monument or if you would like to be a Guardian to a Veteran on one of their trips please contact this amazing organization at honorflightnewengland.org or call them at 603-518-5368